Engine Company 121 Firehouse

Client

Project Type

Opened/Completed

2008

Area

14,000 ft²

Cost

$7,296,128

Design Achievement - The Chicago Fire Department and the Chicago Public Building Commission joined together to bring advanced new firehouses to every part of the city. A proactive plan to replace aging fire houses with state-of-the-art new facilities is a major component of Mayor Richard M. Daley's Neighborhoods Alive program. For the Engine 121 project, DLR Group refined a prototype design with increased space for training and physical fitness; spacious apparatus bays for the larger, more modern emergency vehicles; circular driveways for safer departures and arrivals; and command centers equipped with the most modern communications equipment available. Further, the design includes features that qualify the building for certification under USGBC's LEED standards. The use of building materials including brick, limestone, aluminum, and glass are not only energy-efficient, but also respect the context of the Chicago neighborhood.

Scope Summary - The new 14,000 SF station replaces an existing, outdated facility. It serves up to 20 firestation staff at any given time and has a full, three-engine apparatus bay. It is a low-maintenance facility with an efficiently designed site. The prototypical design elements include a dayroom, command center, kitchen, sleeping quarters, fitness room, break-out space, apparatus bay, and private officer's quarters. Sustainable attributes include solar collectors for heating hot water, an extensive green roof over the main building, a low-energy roof over the apparatus bay, an energy-saving mechanical system, water reduction infrastructure and site amenities, and is located immediately adjacent to the Metro rail system for easy commuter access. DLR Group was the Architect of Record and provided architecture and construction administration services.